EVC president answers rumors about fraud investigation

Emory Valley Center’s leader said Friday that a rumor that the “government” is investigating the nonprofit for “fraud” is unfounded.

Donna Smith/The Oak Ridger

Emory Valley Center’s leader said Friday that a rumor that the “government” is investigating the nonprofit for “fraud” is unfounded.

At the beginning of a tour of EVC by its volunteers and board members, state and U.S. legislators, and area business leaders, EVC President Jennifer Enderson on Friday brought up the issue that had been aired on WATE-TV Channel 6 in Knoxville. She told those on the tour that the Department of Labor was conducting a compliance audit of the Center with the Wage and Hour Division and it wasn’t concerning fraud.

She later told The Oak Ridger that they’d been told two weeks ago that the auditors were coming and to have the information they needed available. The Oak Ridger had been told about the rumor and audit by an EVC volunteer on Thursday.

Enderson later sent The Oak Ridger a copy of her written response to the television station’s inquiry: “We are currently working with government auditors on what we understand to be a routine compliance check. Based on the allegation you forwarded, I can confirm there is no investigation of that nature going on. It seems apparent that unfounded rumors are being started by an unknown source. We are, as always, fully cooperating with the auditors and committed to operating Emory Valley Center in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. We appreciate the support of our community and all our constituents, and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve so many members of our community who are in need of help.

Emory Valley Center serves developmentally disabled adults, and not only disabled children, but children of “all abilities,” Center employees have said.